DHEWD News - November 21

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Happy Thanksgiving Day with maple leaves and pumpkin on blue background

We are Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving, DHEWDs!

Remember, state offices will be closed Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24. 

We are thankful for all you do for Missourians!

Now, we want to know what you are thankful for. Please share your responses to this week's poll and we'll share after the holiday weekend.


A large group of American flags.

Honoring Veterans

In a previous poll question, we asked what you do on Veterans Day. Take a moment to browse through the responses your fellow DHEWDs provided. 


Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day logo

Buddy Check 22 Day

The Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Veterans Services invites you to participate in Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day. Missouri legislation has established the 22nd day of each month as “Buddy Check 22 Day” in the state to promote education and awareness of the problems of suicide facing military personnel.

DHEWD will display the poster in public spaces, and we encourage everyone to “check in” on the 22nd of each month with the veterans we are serving and in our personal lives. Please promote your participation in Buddy Check 22 Day by using #mobc22day on Facebook and Twitter.

Together, we can all help prevent suicide.


A MoDOT snowplow

Answer
the Call!

MDOT is hiring emergency maintenance personnel for the 2023-24 winter season.

MoDOT’s emergency maintenance operators are on hand to answer the call when winter weather and other emergencies threaten our state’s highways.

Pay during normal winter operations starts at $19.08 per hour and pay during emergency operations starts at $22.08 per hour.

MoDOT wants you to consider a career working to keep Missouri moving this winter.

For more information, click the image above.


a group of hands coming together in the middle of a circle with the word Unity

November 2023 DHEWD Unity Office Hour

Thanks to all who joined for the November 2023 DHEWD Unity Office Hour. In case you missed it, please view the November Unity Office Hour information to learn about the November events and how we can disagree and grow from the discussion.

Please contact Laura.Hoskins@dhewd.mo.gov if you would like to lead a future Unity Office Hour discussion discussion. 


DHEWD NFL Pigskin Pick'em trophy

NFL Pick'em

The battle at the top continues to be between Christopher Will and Chad Luetjen. Christopher and Chad each went 9-5 this week to remain tied for the lead at 105-59. 

Ashley Isaacs was the weekly winner by correctly picking 11 of the 14 games. 

The DHEWD Autopick entry is thankful for the friendly coin flips this week after going 9-5. Don Hutchings, Devin Jungmeyer, and Jason Strickland also went 9-5.

Remember, picks must be made Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday this week with three games on Thanksgiving, one on Black Friday, 11 on Sunday, and one on Monday. 

It's a great week to enjoy family, friends, and football!

Questions? Please contact Jason Strickland at jason.strickland@dhewd.mo.gov.


Close up of gratitude word with pen on notebook

DHEWD Wellness: Gratitude Challenge

As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, let’s take some time to reflect and be grateful! 

Please use the 2023 Gratitude Challenge calendar for the month of November to be kind to yourself and let others know how much you appreciate them. Feedback shared at dhewd.wellness.committee@dhewd.mo.gov may be featured in DHEWD News.


Missouri Deferred Comp logo

1-on-1 Retirement Assistance

Do you have questions about your retirement savings? Schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting for one-on-one assistance.

During your meeting, you can establish or evaluate your retirement savings goals, review your account or enroll in the plan, learn about investment options, make account changes, ask questions, and more!

Timeslots are available on Tuesday, November, 28.


November Cybersecurity training

Cybersecurity Training: Hello

Receiving a text message from a wrong number could seem harmless, but it can sometimes lead to a scam. 

Take a few minutes to learn about the warning signs during this month's NINJIO cybersecurity training


Microsoft 365 Update graphic

ICYMI: Microsoft Update

We are excited to announce the Microsoft 365 (M365) Office Suite deployment, advancing productivity and collaboration for the State of Missouri. The M365 Office Suite deployment is part of our Digital Government Transformation (DGT) portfolio of projects, with a goal to improve how we work together to serve our citizens.

Our M365 Office Suite deployment is scheduled for November 27, 2023. Watch for instructions for accessing the M365 Office Suite and resources to help you learn how to leverage your new tools.

Training and Support: Visit M365 Help for learning resources, project announcements, FAQs, and user guides.

What happens next? Watch your inbox for additional info about the next steps and action items.


MO Deferred Comp Fall Webinar Series graphic

Prepare for Retirement

Whether you're a new employee or close to retirement, the MO Deferred Comp Fall Webinar Series can help you. 

Learn about budgeting, your benefits, investing, and more by signing up for webinars through December 1

When you attend a webinar, you'll receive a certificate of completion and be entered to win deferred comp gear!

You do not need to be a participant in the deferred comp plan to be entered into the prize drawing, but you must be a current employee or have retired from the state of Missouri.


Learning Framework 2023

Learning Framework: Lead Change

Change can be an intimidating topic. It means moving away from things that are comfortable, and sometimes it means taking risks. In November, the Learning Framework will showcase how to get excited about change and how to implement it effectively.

Change can come in many forms. New team members, best practices, software, budget, and more can shake up your comfortable routine.

As we continue to enhance the positive team culture at the State of Missouri, it is critical that we anticipate, accept, and implement change.

This Forbes article explains many workplace change factors and how to best manage them. In November, consider an ENGAGE conversation about prior, current, and anticipated change. Some topics you might discuss are:

  • What went well?
  • Were there any areas for improvement?
  • What made you nervous about that change? Or, what was exciting about it?
  • Do you have any ideas for change that you can implement or lead?

Use the ENGAGE website as your resource. View November’s topic for Lead Change for helpful resources, such as podcasts, articles, and more!

MO Learning can also help you develop great skills or further your understanding of topics you already know. Get started today with one of the following recommended courses:

By getting comfortable with change, you are improving the positive impact on the people and communities we serve.

For questions, email DHEWDhr@dhewd.mo.gov.

Collage of the DHEWD pets

DHEWD
Pet of the Week

Look at all of these happy DHEWD pets!

We are all thankful for the time we spend with our pets. 

Enjoy this holiday weekend with your loved ones, including the animals in your life.

DHEWD Pet of the Week submissions


DHEWD
Meme/Gif
of the Week

A group of socks next to a dyer with the words: Everyone, remember the buddy system

DHEWD all-staff meeting welcome slide

DHEWD All-Staff Meeting

Did you miss the quarterly All-Staff Meeting on November 15? Watch the recording!


Person’s Hand Holding Mobile Phone and Talking Through Video Call.

DHEWD Weekly Call Recordings

Did you miss the weekly call on Monday? If so, you can access the last six calls on the Intranet. Take a listen! 


Hand holding blue paper cut happy smile face

Mental Health Resources

Check out Happier U, a collaboration between DHEWD and DMH to bring you videos for a healthier, happier you. 

Find additional resources at MOShowMeHope.org.  


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Quick Links

Quick links to frequent information.